Because of trolling the net for foraging ideas, I've been looking at the world a little differently lately. I've begun to see the potential of Japanese Knotweed Stems (a lot of people think that its bamboo). This hideous invasive pest is all over the US (And apparently Britain too). It probably will be just as valuable as pinecones, and like pinecones FREE! posted below are a few pics:
If you can get them from an uncontaminated source the hollow spaces are just begging to be filled with food. I know that it isn't toxic. in fact its edible and nutritious to humans (like asparagus).
It is important to note however that:
I cannot guarantee that its non-toxic to birds (is there any place to find that out?)I would also caution not to use it UNLESS you are absolutely sure what it is (just like with mushroom hunters).